In the last month, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati became, inadvertently, the most important person in Kenya as the national returning officer in the Presidential Election.
With his job description, Chebukati sure attracted friends and fore in equal measure - especially as the matter advanced to the Supreme Court.
One of his fierce defenders, however, was his daughter Rachel Chebukati who took on politicians and lawyers attempting to belittle his father's contribution to Kenya's democracy.
"I would also like to sincerely thank my lovely wife Mary, my children Rachel Chebukati, Jonathan and Emmanuel Chebukati, my parents and larger family for the continuous prayers and for standing by me during the election period," announced Wafula shortly after William Ruto got sworn in as president.
In response to her father's praise, Rachel reminded him that she was proud of his dedication in seeing the process through.
"The last few weeks have been a roller-coaster but God saw us through. Proud of you Dad," she beamed with pride.
Just like her father, Rachel's career journey, more often than not, involved her developing grit and working hard towards creating her own space at the table.
As per her profile, the Advocate of the High Court is listed as one of the Senior State Counsels attached to the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Justice - a position she has held since July 2021 after being promoted from her role as State Counsel.
She made the transition to work for the state in June 2020 after stints in various law firms including Sherman Nyongesa & Mutubia Advocates where she was an Associate advocate as well as Bowmans where she worked as a lawyer in the Dispute Resolution department.
Before her leap into the career phase, Rachel obtained her academic qualifications from numerous institutions.
She started off at the University of Nairobi where she pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Law while concurrently attending the United States International University for a Degree in International Relations and graduated in 2014 from both institutions.
After gaining experience in the legal field for four years, since starting out as a legal intern at the Federation of Women Lawyers, she joined the University of Dundee in Scotland in 2017 and graduated with a Master's Degree in Oil and Gas Law and Policy the following year.
He other achievements include her voluntary position as the Honorary Secretary in the Board of Trustees at Junior Golf Foundation Kenya. She also volunteers as the Honorary Secretary Ladies Golf Section at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club.
